Anatomy of a Dental Implant
Dental implants are a popular treatment choice for patients with damaged, missing, or unattractive teeth. They’re designed to replicate a natural tooth’s functionality and aesthetic as closely as possible. This makes the implant discreet and allows the patient to eat, drink, and talk as if they had regular teeth.
Dental implants are inconspicuous – unless you’ve seen one up close and before it’s been put together, you may not realize exactly how they’re created.
A natural tooth has two parts: the tooth and the root. Many dental treatments focus on replacing just the tooth, which is the part you see above the gum line. However, an implant replaces both the tooth and the root, making it an ultra-strong and secure solution for fixing a smile.
A dental implant comprises three separate parts: The implant post, the abutment, and the tooth restoration. Let’s take a look at each part of the anatomy of a dental implant:
The Implant Post
Many people who see images of dental implants online are put off because the implant post resembles a miniature regular household screw. It’s made of titanium, which is strong and compatible with the human body. This means there is no chance your body will reject the implant once it’s in place. Ahead of the surgery, your dentist will have decided the exact placement of the posts. Once they’re in the correct location, they’ll naturally fuse to your jawbone over time, providing the support for the rest of your implant. They are not visible but play the most significant role in creating your new smile.
The Abutment
The second part of your implant is known as the abutment. This is a small piece of metal that will connect your post to the tooth restoration. The abutment is only fitted once your implant post has healed and begun fusing to your jawbone. Once in place, it’s slightly visible above the gum line until the dentist adds the tooth restoration on top of it. There are various abutment shapes, depending on which type of tooth restoration you choose.
The Tooth Restoration
This is the crowning glory of your dental implants (literally)! The tooth restoration is usually created as a porcelain crown, carefully milled and colored to fit perfectly with your surrounding teeth. It anchors to the abutment and provides the final touch to your new smile.
What if I Need More than One Dental Implant in Vero Beach, FL?
If you’re missing multiple teeth, your dentist may advise you to have an implant-supported bridge instead of several single crowns. Speak to your doctor for specific advice based on your personal dental requirements. We look forward to hearing from you!
